DISH network channel changes?

Hello Dr. D,

I own two Dish TR-40 converter boxes and, until recently, they've been working as expected. However, a few weeks ago, channels 13.1, 13.2, and 13.3 began showing up as 70.1, 70.2, and 70.3. The channel content is the same; however, the channel guide no longer provides content info on the re-assigned channels. The boxes are located at two different physical addresses and both act in the same manner. Oddly, the 70.1,2, & 3 channels line up just like before…after 8.3 and before 19.1. I’ve googled this issue and haven’t found any explanation. The picture quality is still fine, but I miss the Dish program quide. Dish Network said that they aren't responsible for this anomoly; rather it's a broadcaster created issue. Now here's the oddity: on two other TVs, with internal ATSC tuners, your signal still comes through on 13.1, 2. & 3. So, what do you think is actually going on? Thanks for your help.

- Lauren, Indianapolis

Hello Lauren,

Thanks for your e-mail and question.

We are transmitting our program guide and "virtual channels" 13.1, 13.2 and 13.3 information as always as you can tell from your digital TVs. However at the digital changeover we changed from a UHF transmission channel to VHF channel 13. Almost all converter boxes and sets followed the change with no problem, but I suspect your TR-40 boxes did not and still have some old info stored in their memories that is causing their display problems. Try erasing all channel 70s and any channel 13s that may be hanging around in the box's memory. The do a fresh digital channel scan to make sure your TR-40s store current info and let me know if that straightens the boxes out.

- Dr. D